The journey to the Temple of the First Roar was nothing like Amaya expected.
The forest shifted.
Literally.
Trees she had passed moments ago weren't behind her anymore. The ground's texture changed—from soft moss to cold stone to brittle, ancient leaves—without warning. Sometimes the sky above cracked open to reveal stars that didn't belong in this world. Other times, the air vibrated like invisible strings were being plucked.
It wasn't a path.
It was a living maze.
A maze designed to test anyone approaching the Temple.
The Ancient Tiger walked ahead, silent and stern, his aura parting the strange illusions like fog. Amaya clung to Leo's shirt from her place on his back, her cheek pressed against the warmth between his shoulder blades.
Leo's steps were steady—even though she could feel the tension coiled inside him like a bowstring pulled too tight.
"Leo…" she whispered into his neck. "You can put me down."
He didn't stop walking.
"No."
